גָּבַהּ (ga.vah)
ga.vah
to exult
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gabah describes something that is high, lofty, or elevated. In its most literal sense, it applies to physical height, such as a tall tree in Ezekiel 19:11 or the vast distance of heaven above the earth in Psalm 103:11. The word captures the visual image of elevation, whether referring to a person’s stature or the grandeur of creation.
Beyond physical dimensions, gabah carries a strong psychological weight regarding pride and arrogance. When applied to the human heart, it signifies lifting oneself up in haughtiness, as seen in Proverbs 18:12 where pride precedes destruction. Conversely, it can describe a positive strengthening of spirit, such as King Asa who “took courage” in God’s ways (2 Chronicles 17:6). This dual usage highlights how elevation can be either a dangerous self-exaltation or a faithful resolve.
The term also appears in contexts of divine action, where God is the one who exalts. In Isaiah 52:13, the servant is described as being exalted and lifted up high, emphasizing a change in status granted by God rather than achieved by human effort. This distinction between self-lifting and divine raising remains central to how translators render the word in English.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word gabah paints a picture of elevation, whether it is the towering height of a tree, the vast distance between earth and sky, or the posture of a human heart. This physical image carries a deep spiritual lesson about where we place our confidence. When that height becomes pride, it leads to isolation and downfall, as seen in the lives of kings who forgot their dependence on God.
Yet this same word can describe a positive strengthening of spirit when directed toward the Lord. King Asa is remembered because his heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh, choosing faithfulness over compromise. It reminds us that elevation is not inherently bad; it becomes dangerous only when we lift ourselves up rather than looking to God for strength.
In our daily lives, this word invites us to examine our motives. Are we seeking glory for ourselves, or are we finding our courage in His justice? The path of humility often feels lower, but it is the place where true honor and peace reside. We can trust that God sees the heart and values a spirit that remains grounded in His love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are high3×
- you will make high2×
- it was haughty2×
- you be haughty1×
- who/ is making high1×
- to/ be haughty1×
- they make high1×
- they are haughty1×
- make high1×
- it is haughty1×
- it has been lofty1×
- does it make high [its flight]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּגְבִּ֣יהַּ1×
- תִּגְבָּ֑הוּ1×
- תַגְבִּ֤יהַ1×
- מַגְבִּ֥יהַּ1×
- לְ/גָבְהָ֛ה1×
- כִ/גְבֹ֣הַּ1×
- יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ1×
- יַגְבִּ֣יהַּ1×
- יִגְבַּ֣הּ1×
- וַ/יַּגְבִּיהֶ֖/הָ1×
- וַ/יִּגְבָּֽהוּ\׃1×
- וַ/יִּגְבַּהּ֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 17:6
His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah.
This verse shows the positive use of the word, describing King Asa’s heart being lifted up specifically in devotion to God's laws rather than in personal pride.
-
Proverbs 18:12
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
Here the term highlights the destructive nature of arrogance, noting that a proud heart precedes ruin while humility leads to honor.
-
Isaiah 52:13
Behold, my servant will deal wisely. He will be exalted and lifted up, and will be very high.
This passage uses the word to describe the Servant being exalted and lifted up high by God, emphasizing divine action rather than human achievement.
-
Psalms 103:11
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.
The term illustrates the vastness of God’s loving kindness by comparing it to the height of the heavens above the earth.